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Style Meets Performance: Boys’ Athletic Shoes

The latest boys’ shoes transition from game day to every day. He can rule gym class in a pair of ultra-comfortable boys’ running shoes and take on the competition in stylish boys’ basketball shoes—inspired by his NBA® heroes.

Suit him up in boys’ boots and hiking shoes for an outdoor adventure. And his season can’t begin without the right sport-specific footwear and cleats. Shop for soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, football—and so much more.

Find boy’s footwear you both love from brands like Nike®, Under Armour®, adidas®, New Balance® and others.

Buying Tips

His shoes need to keep pace with him. Always think about his season and activity:

Boys’ Outdoor Shoes should promote durability and stability on the trail. Look for details like dense rubber outsoles for traction and durability and abrasion-resistant uppers. Rubber boots are great for rainy weather and insulated winter boots provide the thermal weather protection he needs. Boys’ boots for school look great paired with his street clothes.

Sandals & Slides are an everyday essential for the pool or the locker room. Traction-maximized outsoles keep him safe on slick surfaces. Antimicrobial treatment prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping him fresh.

Boys’ Sport-Specific Shoes are designed for the rigors of his game. He’ll tear up the pitch in a pair of low-profile boys soccer shoes. Youth football cleats promote stability and traction on the gridiron. Wrestling shoes help him enhance his footwork on the mat. Choose a sport shoe with an inner sockliner, which promotes comfort and fit.

Expert Advice

Learn more about shoe construction before making your purchase:

The soft body of a shoe is called the “upper.” Uppers come in a variety of materials. For example, full-grain leather or rubber boys’ boots are ultra-weather resistant. Innovative synthetic materials and mesh are often used in the construction of boys’ athletic shoes. Shoes with perforated or mesh panels along the upper provide breathability. Some prefer “seamless uppers,” which minimize chafing and irritation.

The midsole is the layer between the outsole and the upper. This component provides strategic shock absorption and comfort. Look for a midsole lined with a responsive foam, for example polyurethane or EVA. Many outdoor shoes feature a “shank” between the insole and outsole. This structure promotes stability on outdoor terrain.

The outsole is the outermost layer of his shoe. This component provides protection, traction and shock absorption. Many basketball shoes have a herringbone pattern outsole to promote traction on hardwood. Running shoes often feature flexible outsoles to support a natural gait cycle. Sandals and slides should be optimized to grip wet surfaces.